David Riley, Penn State News

Virtual reality is used in the Energy Storage and Microgrid Training and Certification (ESAM-TAC) program to simulate batteries and solar equipment and help expose students to complex systems and high-voltage equipment without risks of electrical shock.

Image: David Riley

Summary

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A unique partnership between Penn State and industry members is working to advance solar and wind energy through energy storage and microgrid systems education and training. The Energy Storage and Microgrid Training and Certification (ESAM-TAC) program is part of the GridSTAR Center, a smart grid education and research center at Penn State at The Navy Yard, located in Philadelphia.

A microgrid refers to a system of electrical generation sources, like solar and wind, coupled with energy storage that can provide energy to buildings, campuses, and telecommunication systems. Microgrids can be connected to the existing electric grid or can function independently in case of emergencies. The large scale deployment of microgrids and energy storage will require a new approach to how electricity is generated and managed and will include the increased use of batteries and other forms of energy storage.